What is Rule 239 in Texas?

Asked by: Herbert Hackett I  |  Last update: September 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (75 votes)

Upon such call of the docket, or at any time after a defendant is required to answer, the plaintiff may in term time take judgment by default against such defendant if he has not previously filed an answer, and provided that the return of service shall have been on file with the clerk for the length of time required by ...

What is rule 239-a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure?

At or immediately prior to the time an interlocutory or final default judgment is rendered, the party taking the same or his attorney shall certify to the clerk in writing the last known mailing address of the party against whom the judgment is taken, which certificate shall be filed among the papers in the cause.

What happens if a defendant does not pay a judgment in Texas?

If the Defendant does not pay the money awarded by the Court, then the Plaintiff can ask the Clerk to issue an execution, which orders the Sheriff or Constable to collect the amount of the judgment and court costs.

What is the new disclosure rule in Texas?

Initial Disclosures are required within 30 days of an answer being filed. A party must make the initial disclosures at or within 30 days after the filing of the first answer unless a different time is set by the parties' agreement or court order.

How long does a return of service need to be on file in Texas?

The fact that Rule 107 precludes the rendition of a default judgment until the officer's return shall have been on file with the clerk for ,at least ten days, assures to the defendant and his attorney ample opportunity to make certain of the date of service, in event the officer fails to note said date on the copy ...

What does invoking 'The Rule' mean in criminal trials in Texas?

28 related questions found

What does return of service mean in legal terms?

Return of service is a confirmation that there was service of process . Also termed proof of service, and the document evidencing service may be termed certificate of service. The document is generally filed by the server, potentially a sheriff or a professional process server, in court.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

What is the rule 190 in Texas?

Rule 190 - Discovery Limitations 190.1 Discovery Control Plan Required. Every case must be governed by a discovery control plan as provided in this Rule. A plaintiff must allege in the first numbered paragraph of the original petition whether discovery is intended to be conducted under Level 1, 2, or 3 of this Rule.

What does a seller have to disclose in Texas?

Sellers are required to disclose any material facts that could affect the property's value or desirability. This includes structural issues, water damage, termite infestations, and the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-based paint.

What is the 1018 disclosure rule?

EPA issued a rule under section 1018 of this law known as the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule. It directs EPA and HUD to require the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978.

What assets cannot be seized in a judgement in Texas?

If you do not have any assets that are not exempt from seizure, such as your primary place of residence, household items, your car, and the tools of your trade, someone who has obtained a judgment against you may be unable to collect on it.

Who can put a lien on your house in Texas?

If a property owner owes a debt to a creditor, contractor, or collection agency, that party may place a court-ordered lien against the property with the goal of collecting on the debt.

How to make yourself judgement proof?

To recap, generally, you become judgment proof when you:
  1. aren't working or have a very low-paying job, or your only source of income is government benefits.
  2. don't own many or any assets such as money in a bank account, investments, or equity in real estate.

What is a no answer default Judgement in Texas?

In Texas, a motion for default judgment is a request made by a plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond to a civil complaint within the required time. If the defendant does not file a timely answer, the court may grant a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff.

What is the rule 11 in Texas?

In a Rule 11 agreement, you and the other parent can agree about things such as how medical, psychological, and educational decisions are made. This also includes determining where your child will live and which parent will be considered the custodial parent. See Texas Family Code chapter 153.

What happens after a default judgement in Texas?

One of the most immediate effects of a default judgment is wage garnishment. A creditor can obtain a court order to deduct a portion of your wages directly from your paycheck to repay the debt.

How long are you liable after selling a house?

California is clear about liability laws

This means the buyers have three years to sue you if you failed to fully disclose issues or defects in your home before you sold it.

Are sellers liable after closing?

Post-sale statute of limitations for liabilities

In real estate, the majority of liability claims fall under the civil statutes of limitations category. Here are a few examples of the statute of limitation periods in five states: California: 4 years for written contracts, 3 years for property damage.

How long do you have to sue a previous homeowner?

Before taking action, make sure you are within the statutes of limitations. This puts a limit on how long you have to sue someone from the date of the alleged offense. Every state is different, but most are between two and 10 years depending on what type of claim you have.

What is the 50 foot rule in Texas?

Be Especially Careful On Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Obey the 50-foot rule! Maintain a 50-foot distance from other PWC's, vessels, persons, shore, or stationary platform or other object unless operating at headway (idle) speed.

What is the top 10 rule in Texas?

You may qualify if you meet the requirements by graduating in the Top 10% of your class at a recognized public or private high school in Texas or a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition.

What is Texas Rule 269?

Mere personal criticism by counsel upon each other shall be avoided, and when indulged in shall be promptly corrected as a contempt of court.

What happens if someone lies about being served?

If you are being served with legal papers, it is not against the law for you to lie to the process server. However, if the court finds out that you lied, there may be consequences. The court may deem that you are in contempt of court and may impose sanctions against you.

What is the most common tool used in discovery?

One of the most common discovery tools is written interrogatories, which are questions that one party sends to the other party in writing. The responding party must answer the questions in writing, under oath.

How to avoid being served?

Where only personal service is allowed
  1. Follow these steps if only personal service is allowed.
  2. Don't answer your door to anybody. ...
  3. Instruct the roommates/family to tell the Process Server/Sheriff that the person they're after no longer lives there. ...
  4. Be aware of your surroundings. ...
  5. Tell your workplace.